For most women, shopping for bras is challenging enough as it is—even if they haven’t had plastic surgery. Our patients sometimes report that bra sizing becomes even more of a challenge after having a high-quality breast augmentation from our Palm Springs-based team at Cosmetic Surgery Institute.

While you may be tempted to immediately rush out and buy all-new bras to flaunt your figure after surgery, your breasts will experience some swelling immediately after the procedure, and it can be difficult to predict what their exact size will be after they’ve completely healed. Breasts will also continue to change slightly for six months following augmentation surgery.

These tips are intended to make it easier for you to find the perfect support (or even lingerie!) after your surgery.

1.    There’s No Such Thing as a Standard Cup/Bra Size

Many women spend a good portion of their adult lives wearing bras that are technically not the right size for them. Sizing labels can give you an idea of the general size of the bra, but the problem is that sizing for a given bra is actually determined by the company that creates the bra—so the A, B, C, and D sizes aren’t as universal as you might think. It’s also important to note that implant sizes aren’t the same as cup sizes.

2.    It’s Better to Try Them On

Don’t bother with online shopping at first—especially for costly undergarments. As with any other type of clothing, when buying bras, it’s often better to just go into the store in person and see how they fit. When in doubt, this is the best way to find what you need (especially if all the online size calculators aren’t helping you). Ideally, you can be re-measured and professionally fitted for bras after your recovery.

3.    Consider the Shape of Your Implants

Note that some bras will work better for teardrop-shaped breasts, while others are intended for round breasts. This is another reason in-person shopping is ideal. You can see not just how a bra fits, but how it looks on you!

4.    Use Non-Wire Bras

You’ll have to wait until your breasts have completely healed before moving on to conventional wire bras. In the meantime, choose a different sort of support.

5.    Try A Plunge Bra

Many augmentation patients “start from scratch” and experiment with new styles after they’ve healed from their surgery. A “plunge bra” is a push-up type that doesn’t have uncomfortable wires and is good for heavier breasts.

Get more breast augmentation tips from Cosmetic Surgery Institute. Patients in Palm Springs and the entire Los Angeles area can connect with us by calling 760-837-0364 or write to us directly.